‘Remarkably thoughtful’ Longford dental team recognised for exceptional care of cancer patients

A Longford dental practice has been awarded Colgate Dental Team of the Year at the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate dentists across Ireland who go above and beyond for their patients. 

Dr Sarah McWeeney and her team at Longford Dental Centre received the honour for the compassion, professionalism, and extraordinary support they had shown to a patient throughout her cancer journey.

The team took additional measures to prioritise the patient’s comfort and safety, after her dental health needs became significantly more complex following her cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Prior to commencing cancer treatment, the patient required six dental extractions to prevent complications during chemotherapy. Dr McWeeney and her team not only carried out the procedures with skill and sensitivity, they also ensured that dentures were ready for her to use immediately afterwards, so the patient never had to face gaps in her smile.

Once chemotherapy began, the dental team prioritised the importance of infection control and organised for her to wait in her car before appointments and brought straight into the surgery so she could avoid contact with others in the waiting room.

Further care considerations included close coordination with the patient’s oncology team, as she was being treated with bisphosphonates, a medication known to increase oral health risks.

The patient described the entire team including Sarah, Aisling, and Sinead as “kind, professional, and caring,” adding that during one of the most difficult times in her life, they provided comfort, confidence, and unwavering support.

She said, “This team has stood by me through both routine dental visits and the challenges brought on by a cancer diagnosis. They ensured my safety during treatments, and offered reassurance every step of the way. They are also remarkably thoughtful and practical.”

Dr McWeeney and her team at Longford Dental Centre were one of a number of deserving award recipients honoured at a ceremony last Saturday night, November 8, in Dublin’s InterContinental Hotel